Nico Collins Bio
Dominique Stephon “Nico” Collins (born March 19, 1999) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and was selected by the Texans in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft. Collins has quickly established himself as a key player for the Texans, showcasing his skills and potential in the league.
Early Life and Background
Nico Collins was born and raised in Pinson, Alabama, as the youngest of three children. His father, Don Collins, worked as a surgical tech, while his mother was employed in human resources. Growing up, Collins was involved in various sports, including playing AAU basketball. He attended Clay-Chalkville High School in Clay, Alabama, where he excelled as a wide receiver on the undefeated football team that won the 2014 Class 6A state championship. During his junior year, he caught 60 passes for 1,103 yards and 16 touchdowns. In his senior year, he recorded 43 receptions for 865 yards and 9 touchdowns. In February 2017, Collins committed to play football at the University of Michigan, choosing the Wolverines over offers from Georgia and Alabama.
Path to American Football
In 2017, Collins enrolled at the University of Michigan, where he began his collegiate football career. He made his first collegiate reception on October 12, 2017, during a game against Rutgers. As a freshman, he appeared in two games and had three receptions for 27 yards. Collins had a breakout season in his sophomore year of 2018, earning the Most Improved Offensive Player award, finishing the season with 38 receptions for 632 yards and six touchdowns. Notably, he had four catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns against Ohio State. On November 23, 2019, Collins achieved a career-best performance with 165 receiving yards and three touchdowns against Indiana. Despite competing with talented teammates, he finished the 2019 season with 37 receptions for 729 yards and seven touchdowns, ranking second on the team in receiving yards.
Nico Collins Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Nico Collins was drafted 89th overall by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft. He officially signed with the Texans on May 12, 2021. Heading into his first training camp, Collins was listed as a starting wide receiver alongside veterans Brandin Cooks and Chris Conley. He made his NFL debut in the Texans’ Week 1 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording one reception for seven yards. Throughout his rookie season, Collins appeared in 14 games, starting in 8, and finished with 33 receptions for 446 yards and one touchdown. In the 2022 season, he entered as the Texans’ No. 2 receiver behind Brandin Cooks, finishing the season with 37 catches for 481 yards and two touchdowns, despite being placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a foot injury.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
The 2023 season marked a significant breakthrough for Nico Collins. He had standout performances, including a game against the Indianapolis Colts where he recorded 146 receiving yards and a touchdown. In a Week 4 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he set new career highs with seven receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns. His remarkable performance continued, culminating in a win-or-go-home scenario against the Colts in Week 18, where he caught all nine of his targets for a career-high 195 yards and a 75-yard touchdown, securing a playoff spot for the Texans. Collins finished the season with 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns, ranking 8th in the league in receiving yards.
Notable Works and Milestones
Collins earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his career during the 2024 season. He agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Texans worth up to $75 million, showcasing his value to the team. Despite suffering a hamstring injury, he finished the season with 68 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. In the Wild Card Round, he contributed significantly with seven receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown in the Texans’ victory over the Chargers.
Nico Collins Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Nico Collins has received recognition for his performances, including multiple Pro Bowl nominations.
Nico Collins Awards Won
Nico Collins has achieved notable accolades, including being named to the Pro Bowl in 2024 and 2025, highlighting his impact as a wide receiver in the NFL.
Nico Collins Family
Nico Collins is the youngest of three children in his family. His father, Don Collins, has been a significant influence in his life and career.
Personal Life
Details about Nico Collins’ personal life remain private, as he focuses on his professional career in football. He is currently a player for the Houston Texans and continues to make strides in the NFL.
